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Why Hosting Matters Now More Than Ever

July 13, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

aya and yes program exchange student meets host parents at airport upon arrival

In a world that can feel increasingly divided and unpredictable, it’s easy to wonder what difference one person or one family can really make. But some of the most meaningful changes begin right in your community. Hosting a high school exchange student is one of those … [Read more...]

FAQs Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, why hosting matters

Host Family Appreciation Week: Celebrating the Families Behind Cultural Exchange

May 11, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

From Local Coordinator to International Mother: A Host Moms Reflection | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Every exchange student journey begins with a welcome. Sometimes it’s a homemade sign at the airport. Sometimes it’s a family dinner after a long day of travel. Sometimes it’s simply hearing the words, “We’re so glad you’re here.” During Host Family Appreciation Week, we … [Read more...]

News AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, host family appreciation, host family appreciation week

Student of the Month: Milana from Turkmenistan, Hosted in Texas

April 29, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

Student of the month Milana from Turkmenistan hosted in Texas

Each month at AYA, we take time to recognize some of the truly exceptional exchange students from our program. This month, we’re happy to name Milana from Turkmenistan as the Student of the Month for April 2026! Read on to learn more about Milana’s high school exchange journey … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, host family, student of the month, texas, Turkmenistan

Student of the Month: Roman from Ukraine, Hosted in Maine

March 30, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Student of the month Roman from Ukraine

While every AYA student is committed to cultural exchange and intercultural learning, some truly go above and beyond—creating a lasting impact on their host family and community that deserves a special shoutout. Roman from Ukraine is an exceptional example of this commitment … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, exchange students, maine, student of the month, ukraine

What 45 Years of Cultural Exchange Has Taught Us

March 27, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

academic year in america vintage photo exchange students in NYC

Cultural exchange isn’t a vacation or a line on a resume—it’s an experience that shifts how you see the world and your place in it. It’s about broadening your perspective and creating lifelong connections. Whether you’re setting out as an exchange student or opening your home to … [Read more...]

News 45 years, Academic Year in America, AYA, cultural exchange, Exchange Student, exchange students, host family

Student of the Month: Fateen from Bangladesh, Hosted in Oregon

February 27, 2026 AYA Leave a Comment

AYA Student of the Month Fateen from Bangladesh

Each month at AYA, we like to take some time to recognize some of the truly exceptional exchange students from our program. This month, we’re happy to name Fateen from Bangladesh as the Student of the Month for February 2026! Read on to learn more about Fateen's high school … [Read more...]

Exchange Student Stories Academic Year in America, AYA, Bangladesh, cultural exchange, exchange students, high school exchange year, host family, oregon, student of the month

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About AYA

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Academic Year in America (AYA) is sponsored by the AIFS Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1967. Its mission is to promote worldwide understanding through cultural exchange.

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Recent Posts

  • Beyond the School Year: How Host Family & Exchange Student Relationships Last
  • How Hosting Strengthens Schools and Communities
  • Cultural Exchange Happens Around the Dinner Table
  • Why Host Siblings Can Become Family for Life
  • How Host Families Can Support Exchange Students Through Homesickness and Culture Shock

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